British Red Cross creates London Fire Relief Fund to help the people of Grenfell Tower

The British Red Cross has started an appeal to raise money to help people affected by the Grenfell Tower fire in west London. In creating this national appeal, the charity is using its reach across the UK and beyond to provide a way for people to give money to those affected.

The charity has been asked by Kensington and Chelsea council to help co-ordinate fundraising in an appeal to support the residents and neighbours of the Grenfell Tower.

Money will be given to people affected by the fire, including those who have lost everything, to buy the things they need to give themselves and their families as much normality as they can get at this extraordinarily difficult time.

By donating to the London Fire Relief Fund people will be able to help those who have been injured, bereaved, left destitute or traumatised by this tragedy.

The British Red Cross will be leaning on its experience of co-ordinating emergency fundraising after the 7/7 bombing and more recently in Manchester and after the London Bridge attack and working with the Local Authority to create a mechanism to distribute funds to those in most need.

The fund is likely to follow a similar model to Manchester, with the British Red Cross using its expertise in fundraising and working closely to support the council to develop the best mechanisms.

'Our hearts go out to all'

Mike Adamson, chief executive of the British Red Cross said: “The people living in Grenfell Tower have suffered an unimaginable tragedy. Our hearts go out to all those who have lost so much.

“We have already seen the incredible outpouring of support from the local community, greater London and the whole country.

“We are now launching this national appeal, together with Kensington and Chelsea Council, to support those people who have lost everything, so they can receive financial help as soon as possible.

“As well as launching this appeal we are also keen to use our convening power to bring partners together to work out the best way to raise funds and distribute them.

“We thank the UK for their continued generous support and overwhelming show of humanity in this time of need.”

Councillor Nick Paget-Brown, Leader of Kensington and Chelsea said: “The generosity of the British public has been truly overwhelming so we are very grateful indeed that the British Red Cross has stepped in to lend its muscle and expertise to the relief operation.”

If you need help after the Grenfell Tower fire or are concerned about a loved one, please call the casualty bureau on 0800 0961 233 or 0207 158 0197.

If you are a resident displaced by the fire call 020 7361 3008.

If you are distressed by the situation and need someone to talk to, call the Red Cross support line to talk to a trained volunteer on 0800 458 9472.